Magnum Nomad Review | Electric Bike Report First Impressions

Propelled by an ultra-powerful Bafang 750W rear hub motor, the Nomad is no slouch.

It’s hard to overstate just how much power 750W is in the e-bike world (it’s actually the legal limit in most states), so the Nomad has no issues climbing large hills or accelerating to and maintaining its maximum pedal assisted speed of 28 mph. This bike is also equipped with a twist throttle, which will power you without pedaling until 20 mph. Park City, where we tested this bike, is an incredibly hilly place and I was very impressed with how well the Nomad tackled the terrain.

The Nomad handles well and is forgiving to new riders. The bike is equipped with an adjustable stem that allows riders to make the fit as aggressive as they’d like, plus the mid-step frame is easier to get on and off of than a more traditional high-step bike frame.

Magnum fitted the Nomad with a custom display.

One asterisk I’d note on the Nomad’s handling was it suffered slightly from oversteer, or the tendency for the bike to want to dive in corners. This wasn’t an overwhelming sensation (remember, it’s my job to be overly sensitive to how a bike handles), but it was something I noticed at lower speeds and in longer corners, such as some of the 180-degree switchbacks on roads in Park City. I adapted to this quickly, so it wasn’t much of a problem, but it’s something to keep in mind.

The Nomad we reviewed was fitted with the 48V, 17.5Ah battery option.

The Nomad is powered by the same 750W Bafang rear hub motor sold on its sister bike, the Scout.

The Electric Bike Report staff knows Bafang’s 750W motor well, as it’s one of the most popular large rear hub motors found on affordable e-bikes. It’s popular for good reason: It’s torquey, powerful and plenty reliable for every day use.

Buyers can also choose between two substantial battery options, either a 48V, 17.5Ah (840Wh) or a 48V, 19.5Ah (936Wh) — both of which are larger than average for the affordable electric fat bike category.

Magnum spec’d the Nomad with a Shimano mixed drivetrain consisting of a Tourney thumb shifter mounted on the handlebars and an Altus 7-speed rear derailleur

This is a workhorse groupset from Shimano that we see often on affordable e-bikes. It shifts well, has a wide gear range great for tackling hills and is plenty affordable.

Brakes: Logan two piston

The rear Logan hydraulic disk brake caliper.

The Logan hydraulic disk brakes are a new brand to us, but they performed well on our test ride around Park City.

It’s not at all uncommon nowadays to see bikes shipped with components from lesser-known manufacturers thanks to the ongoing bike component shortage. The Logan brakes handled Park City’s long descents very well, with only the slightest hints of brake fade near the bottom of one longer descent. These are two piston hydraulic brakes designed to be easily adjustable.

Other notes: Accessories, racks and lights

The Nomad comes with a rear rack, integrated lights, fenders and an upgraded display custom to Magnum.

If you’re looking for an affordable electric fat bike with loads of adjustability and power, the Magnum Nomad is a great option you should consider.

With a mid-step frame and adjustable stem, Magnum built this bike to fit virtually any rider. It’s a hefty bike at over 70 lbs, but the bike handles that weight well. I did note that the bike has a slight tendency to oversteer, but this wasn’t an overwhelming issue. Overall, the bike handled very well and felt confidence inspiring — an important feature considering this bike is built specifically for new riders or those who might want a bike that’s a little more upright and comfortable.

You can buy the Magnum Nomad online on Magnum’s website or at one of the company’s 200-plus brick and mortar stores.